Surviving Sunday in the Culinary Village

At this year’s Charleston Wine and Food Festival, I attended the Culinary Village in Marion Square. This is my second year. And like last year, I chose to go on Sunday because they offer a “local resident” ticket at just $95.00 versus the regular price of $135.00. I may decide to pay the extra $40.00 and go on Friday or Saturday next year to see if I am missing anything.

Start with a Hearty Breakfast

One of the things I learned last year is that the food lines are obscenely long. And when you get to the food, it is a bite.  That is right; a bite. Then you start all over and get to the back of another line. That is not the case with the beer, wine or liquor so before you know it you are “wasted.” and starving. So I promised myself this year to be sure and eat a hearty, filling breakfast before this 5-hour day-drinking adventure begins. And I did just that by preparing an open-faced breakfast sandwich for Gary and me. It was perfect. Two slices of lightly toasted, Artisan Grit Bread from Tiller Bakery topped with mayonnaise, a fried egg, melted cheddar cheese, half an avocado and two slices of bacon. Hit. The. Spot. We were now ready for the day.

Charleston Wine and Food * Rosé Garden and Corkyard

I loved that the Rosé Garden (a sponsor showcase) and the Corkyard (wine area) were in the same quadrant and connected. So connected that you had to walk through the Rosé Garden to get to the Corkyard which made for a cohesive wine area. It was also really great that they were both tented and carpeted this year. That made for a much more enjoyable experience.

One of the best things about this festival is running into and hanging with so many friends.

Charleston Wine and Food * The Wine, the Wine, The Wine

Other favorites included Opolo Mountain Zinfandel and their Albariño. Both of these wines were extra special.

 

As were several wines from Iris Vineyards including their Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Of all of the food that I had the opportunity to taste, these Coal Roasted Oysters from Executive Chef Drake Leonards (@drakeleonards) from Eunice Restaurant in New Orleans was far and above the best bite in the Village.

We also got new T-shirt ideas.

And we ran into readers who recognized us from last year. Hey Caitlyn and Caroline!

And so the 2019 festival is in the bag, and we had a blast.

See you next year!

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That is all for now!

Cheers,

rick

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